Minister Dragoș Pîslaru Fires Alexandra Zară Following DIICOT Raid on Illegal Bihor Nursing Homes

Minister Dragoș Pîslaru dismissed Alexandra Zară, president of the National Authority for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (ANPDPD), on Wednesday. The removal follows a DIICOT operation on June 30 targeting illegal nursing homes in Bihor, where Pîslaru claims Zară failed to provide prior notification regarding the intervention.

Why was the president of ANPDPD dismissed?

Minister Dragoș Pîslaru fired Alexandra Zară because she did not inform him in advance about the June 30 DIICOT operation. According to Pîslaru, Zară was aware of the operation beforehand and was involved in its execution, including her presence on the ground in Bihor.

Pîslaru stated on Facebook that he was only notified at 9:30 AM on the day of the intervention that over 400 vulnerable people required relocation. He specifically cited the lack of prior communication as the reason for the mandate revocation.

Did you know? The operation involved the relocation of more than 400 vulnerable individuals from illegal facilities in Bihor to secure locations.

What does Alexandra Zară say about her removal?

Alexandra Zară confirmed her dismissal in a Facebook post, stating she was informed of the decision while visiting relocated vulnerable persons in the field. She noted that she and the minister continued to work together to manage the crisis and ensure the safety of the patients before Pîslaru “reconsidered” her position.

What does Alexandra Zară say about her removal?

Zară pointed to a contradiction in the minister’s actions. She highlighted a July 1 Facebook post from Pîslaru, where he explicitly thanked her and the ANPDPD team for their “presence in the field and support provided to local authorities” during the crisis.

Who else is facing sanctions in the Bihor case?

The dismissal of the ANPDPD president is part of a broader crackdown on administrative failures in Bihor. Minister Pîslaru has requested that Mircea Mălan, President of the Bihor County Council, implement sanctions against the director of the General Directorate of Social Assistance and Child Protection (DGASPC) Bihor.

Further disciplinary measures were requested for the leadership of the County Agency for Payments and Social Inspection (AJPIS) Bihor via the General Director of the National Agency for Payments and Social Inspection. Pîslaru stated these measures result from how these institutions handled the June 30 operation and the general management of the issue over previous years.

Industry Insight: The establishment of a new inter-institutional protocol is now underway to define exactly how vulnerable persons should be handled during future operative police actions to avoid communication gaps between field agents and ministry leadership.

Comparing the Official Narratives

The tension between the Minister and the dismissed president centers on the timeline of information. The following table contrasts the two perspectives based on their public statements:

Dragoș Pîslaru 18 Jun 2020 plenary speech on cross border and seasonal workers
Point of Contention Minister Dragoș Pîslaru’s View Alexandra Zară’s View
Communication Zară knew of the DIICOT action in advance but didn’t inform him. The Minister initially thanked her for her field support on July 1.
Timing of Dismissal Necessary due to failure in reporting protocols. Informed of removal while actively working in the field.

Political Context of the Appointment

Reports indicate that Alexandra Zară was appointed to the ANPDPD at the start of Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan’s mandate, during the tenure of former Labor Minister Florin Manole. Press sources attribute her appointment to the PSD political line.

Political Context of the Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Alexandra Zară fired?
Minister Dragoș Pîslaru dismissed her for failing to provide prior notification regarding a DIICOT operation on June 30 involving illegal nursing homes in Bihor.

How many people were affected by the Bihor nursing home raids?
According to Minister Pîslaru, over 400 vulnerable people had to be relocated from the facilities.

What happens to the Bihor social assistance leadership?
The Minister has requested sanctions for the director of DGASPC Bihor and the leadership of AJPIS Bihor due to their handling of the situation.

What do you think about the balance between field operational secrecy and ministerial oversight? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on Romanian administrative reforms.

Leave a Comment